Chapter 24
The timid, hesitant voice of Consort Jia still lingered in the hall, and countless gazes, like fine needles, once again pierced Qi Nian'an.
The slight sense of satisfaction she felt from bringing down Consort Su was instantly replaced by annoyance from the endless accusations of her being a femme fatale.
Is this never going to end?
One after another, are they like the Calabash Brothers?
Where can we save Grandpa?
She showed no sign of it on her face, only lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyes, as if she were somewhat saddened by this unfounded accusation.
This dance was taught to her by her choreographer when she first performed on a music show. It originated from a certain fallen star, and the original song even had electronic music. Its style is very different from the gentle and charming dances popular in ancient times, so it is not surprising that some people with ulterior motives have used it to make a fuss.
She parted her lips slightly, about to explain, but Shao Sizhi, sitting at the head of the table, spoke first with a cold tone.
He didn't look at Consort Jia, his gaze was fixed on Qi Nian'an, and he said with an unquestionable protectiveness: "Doubts? I think it's someone who is jealous and making trouble out of nothing."
His tone was calm, yet an imperial aura emanated from him, causing Consort Jia to turn pale instantly and fall silent.
Qi Nian'an seized the opportunity, raised her head, her eyes clear and her voice neither humble nor arrogant, clearly resounding throughout the hall: "It is normal for Consort Jia to be young and unaware of some things. This dance is called 'Li Bai,' and it is not something I made up out of thin air. Its prototype is a fragment of the score that Consort Ling included in 'Singer 2025.' I merely incorporated some of the spirit of frontier drum music into it."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, especially the military officers who had just looked infatuated. "In the past, I followed my father... and upon hearing of the soldiers fighting bloody battles on the frontier, I longed to join them."
"This dance is as swift as the wind, imitating the speed of scouts on the battlefield; it leaps like thunder, simulating the bravery of soldiers breaking through enemy lines. As for the posture, it is different from ordinary dances..." A faint, slightly arrogant smile appeared on her lips, "because I believe that dance is not only for pleasing people, but also for expressing one's feelings and aspirations."
"This dance is about resilience, perseverance, and the will to survive, even in dire straits!"
"Is it not ridiculous to label someone as freakish simply because their dance style is different?"
Let's focus on value! We have no obligation not to talk nonsense!
Her explanation was full of references and classical texts.
Although she made up "Singer 2025", everyone knows that Consort Ling is very powerful. It is safest to push her to the show. Who dares to say that the sheet music collected by Consort Ling is not known to everyone?
The border soldiers were naturally fabricated, but everything is just a makeshift operation with value. There are many who meticulously craft it, but she was not one of them. Since talking nonsense instantly elevated the dance's style by more than one level, why not?
Everyone nodded in agreement, except for Li Xiaoran, who was sitting behind the curtain at the head of the table, who laughed out loud and covered her mouth tightly, avoiding eye contact with Qi Nian'an.
They've even brought up the legal issues; you can tell they're putting in a lot of effort.
Those who thought the dance was somewhat enchanting just now, upon reflection, felt that every movement was indeed full of power, completely different from the decadent music.
Just then, Consort Ming, who usually kept to herself, touched her slightly reddened eyes with a handkerchief and spoke in a gentle yet firm voice: "Your Majesty, everyone."
“What Consort An said is true. Although I have lived in the inner palace for a long time, I have heard that Consort An recently asked someone to find an old iron-bone gong and drum artist in the suburbs of the capital who was on the verge of extinction, and to help him organize the drum scores and pass on the skills. If Consort An were really such a troublemaker, how could she care about the survival of such a humble folk art?”
"This is truly an elegant and virtuous act!"
Consort Ming's words were like a final, heavy blow, deeply shaking the pure hearts of every noble person present who had initially just been watching for amusement. The immense power of her words moved them to tears, and they were almost ready to kowtow and shout, "How fortunate!"
Now that Consort Ming has stepped in, who would dare to say that Qi Nian'an is talking nonsense and being domineering!
Qi Nian'an looked at Consort Ming, who was spouting nonsense, with deep admiration. The latter winked playfully in response.
Shao Sizhi looked at Qi Nian'an with great doubt, but finally agreed, realizing what kind of person she was, and then joined the group of babbling nonsense.
"I greatly admire it!"
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall instantly reversed. The crowd that had been watching stopped watching and, instead of waiting, joined the group.
They can't fight alone, but if His Majesty says so, they must follow closely behind!
"So that's how it is! It contains the heroic spirit of the battlefield, no wonder it's so moving!"
"Consort An has such a broad mind, caring about the border and even the folk arts!"
"Indeed, with such dance moves and such a temperament, how could she be a demon concubine? She is clearly a fairy descended to earth, moved by the hard work of our soldiers, and thus performed this dance of Li Bai!"
"Auspicious omen! This is truly an auspicious sign!"
Praises poured in like a tide, even more enthusiastic and sincere than before.
The doubts and jealous glances that followed have now mostly turned into admiration and praise.
Qi Nian'an nodded slightly, accepting the praise, suppressing her laughter so hard she almost injured herself.
As Shao Sizhi gazed at her profile, which remained serene amidst the praise, his eyes were overflowing with amazement and affection.
He proclaimed in a loud voice: "Consort An, of the Qi clan, is gentle and kind, possesses both beauty and talent, and is devoted to her country and family. She is also skilled in music. Today's dance further demonstrates her aspirations. I hereby bestow upon her the title 'Chen,' and also grant her a pair of coral trees from the East Sea, twelve silk tapestry screens, and a thousand taels of gold."
"Chen" is a title for the emperor.
To be given this title signifies an honor and status that surpasses all the other concubines present, even those of the Imperial Noble Consort Yi.
Qi Nian'an is now the rightful Consort Chen.
She calmly expressed her gratitude, standing tall and proud without even kneeling. The emperor merely smiled indulgently, saying nothing, leaving the crowd below speechless.
Qi Nian'an caught a glimpse of Consort Yi's calm and composed face out of the corner of her eye, as well as Li Xiaoran's subtle thumbs-up to her.
The grand feast has come to an end.
Qi Nian'an returned to her newly renovated palace. Just as she removed her hairpins and jewelry, a palace servant announced that His Majesty had arrived.
She was somewhat surprised, as Shao Sizhi rarely came directly to her palace after a banquet. As soon as Eunuch Liu finished announcing the arrival, that tall and imposing figure stepped into the palace under the moonlight.
When Shao Sizhi walked in, he had changed into casual clothes, and his body carried the slight coolness of the night breeze and a faint smell of alcohol.
He had clearly just emerged from the hustle and bustle, having changed out of his elaborate and solemn banquet robes and into a simple black robe with dark silver cloud patterns. The brocade was soft and accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him a more refined and aristocratic air than the imposing and unapproachable aura of an emperor.
The night breeze seemed to linger on his clothes, bringing a touch of autumn coolness. Accompanied by the faint, clear scent of alcohol on his body, it was not overpowering, but rather like the aroma of melting pine needles after a snowfall. Mixed with his own calm ambergris, it created a unique and comforting fragrance.
The bright palace lanterns cast a warm glow on him, clearly illuminating his sharply defined profile.
Perhaps because he had been drinking, the lines of his face, which seemed to be sculpted from ice and snow that never melts, softened a little at that moment.
He approached with steady steps, without having any eunuchs follow him, and the huge hall was instantly left with only the two of them.
Shao Sizhi walked up to her, reached out, and gently brushed his fingertips across her face, which looked even more beautiful after she removed her makeup. The gesture was filled with unprecedented tenderness.
"I've been wronged today."
Qi Nian'an was slightly taken aback, then lowered her eyes, her tone carrying a hint of wildness and casualness: "It doesn't matter, it's just that Nan Zhi can't come back. If I had been more conscious of trying to win her over before, she might have been one of the people who started the group today."
"Stop pretending, you illiterate little thing." Shao Sizhi said decisively, grasping her hand, a warm and strong one. "My eyes can see clearly."
He paused, his gaze lingering intently on her. "Nian'an, your dance in the palace today startled me and filled me with dread. If I had truly lost you on the city walls that day..."
Shao Sizhi didn't continue, tightening his arms around her as if he wanted to devour her. His somewhat cold chin pressed against her forehead, and his voice was muffled: "In this harem, the infighting and scheming never cease. Sometimes I feel that placing you here is my fault."
Qi Nian'an leaned against him and could hear his steady, powerful heartbeat.
She paused for a moment, then said softly, "I understand that the inner palace is closely connected with the imperial court."
Silence enveloped the space, the candlelight flickered faintly in the hall, but Shao Sizhi seemed to have made up his mind. He gently pushed her away, looked into her eyes, and spoke with unprecedented seriousness.
"Nian'an, give me time."
"Once I have cleansed the court, balanced the powerful families, and eliminated those with treacherous ambitions, I promise you that one day I will follow the example of the common people and grant you a lifetime of love and devotion."
"I will dismiss this harem for you."
Even with his extensive experience and knowledge, Qi Nian'an was still deeply shaken at this moment.
She looked up and met his incredibly solemn and sincere eyes.
One life, one love, one partner.
The harem was dismissed.
This was the greatest promise ever made by a feudal emperor.
She saw clearly in his eyes the affection that this old-fashioned Shao Sizhi had for her, Qi Nian'an, rather than merely the favor an emperor showed to his concubine.
Tiny ripples spread across the lake of her heart.
Qi Nian'an reached out and hugged his strong waist, burying her face in his chest, her voice tinged with a barely audible sob: "Wait for me to come home, then we'll get our marriage certificate."
The flickering candlelight cast long shadows of the two figures across the soft carpeted floor. The aftereffects of the wine they had drunk at the banquet were now slowly taking hold, transforming into a warm tide that surged silently through their veins.
Shao Sizhi sat down next to Qi Nian'an on the soft couch by the window. He casually draped his arm over her shoulder, encircling her within his territory. The two were extremely close, and the scent of alcohol emanating from him was even more invasive, lingering between their overlapping breaths, penetrating every nook and cranny.
"Nian An".
He called her softly, his voice deeper and hoarser than usual due to the alcohol, as if it had tiny hooks that wafted into her eardrums.
Qi Nian'an felt her cheeks burning and subconsciously tried to move back a little, but her fingertips were covered by his warm hand.
His broad palms caressed the delicate skin on the back of her hand, sending a shiver of tingling sensation through her.
“You old bastard…” She looked up and met his gaze.
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